Movement towards democratisation

What does Democratisation mean?

An attempt, by Gorbachev, to get more people involved in the Communist Party and political debate.

What did the 27th Congress say in 1986?

They said they would introduce ‘genuine’ democracy.

What did the Central Committee discuss in 1987?

They discussed introducing secret ballots for elections which would establish the idea that its okay to go against the majority but also risked people not choosing the Communist Party.

What was announced at the Nineteenth Party Conference of June 1988?

The introduction of multi-candidate elections to national level with elections for the new Congress of People’s deputies.

What was the purpose of the Congress of People’s deputies?

The Congress was set up to provide an independent, supervisory role over the government and was part of Gorbachev’s attempts to separate the functions of Party from state.

What was the impact of introducing the Congress of People’s Deputies?

It gave the Soviet public a taste of democracy and weakened the power of the Communist party

What happened in March 1989?

The first completed elections since 1921.